by MIKE CHAIKEN
Yokayris Castillo is the new Miss Connecticut Volunteer and Ella Perillo is the new Miss Connecticut Teen.
Castillo, who was competing as Miss Bridgeport Volunteer, and Perillo, who was Miss Plantsville Teen Volunteer, were selected on Saturday, July 26 at The Courtyard by Marriott in Cromwell.
Castillo succeeds Serena Charbonneau. Perillo succeeds Jaidalynn Alicea.
Castillo will be heading to Miss Volunteer America, which will be held June 2026 in Jackson, Tenn. Perillo will be heading to Miss Volunteer America Teen, also in Tennessee, in March 2025.
The other competitors for Miss Volunteer Connecticut were: Dayanna Apolo, Ivy Too and Gia Iwanec.
First runner-up in the teen category was Bekah Urquhart. The other teen contestants were Madison LaMarre, Mia Matthewson, Vashty Stanley and Emersyn Mazza.
Competitors were judged in four categories: private interview, health and fitness (swimsuits for Miss and athletic wear for teens), talent and evening gown.
